New VW Passat in Diesel to Get 43mpg

In brief: Volkswagen debuted the new Passat at the Detroit Auto Show in several drive train options.

Vehicle in the news

Make/Model: Passat
Manufacturer: Volkswagen

The word

The new Passat is slightly larger than its predecessor and comes in three drivetrain options: 2.0L TDI, 2.5L gasoline, and 3.6L VR6 gasoline. The diesel will deliver 43mpg EPA highway and an 800 mile range.

The 4-cylinder 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel is 140hp/236lb-ft and uses a NOx converter to meet 50-state emissions requirements (CARB and others). It comes standard with a manual or automatic 5-speed or optional 6-speed DSG transmission.

The 6-speed DSG transmission has no clutch, using two computer-controlled clutches to engage and disengage gears. The vehicle stays in drive in the original gear while the second clutch engages the new gear as the first clutch simultaneously disengages, giving seamless shifting.

And so ...

Clean diesel is finally beginning to catch on in North America and VW is one of the leaders in this arena.

Photo credits: Volkswagen of America